Professional Mariner Magazine - October - November 2020

In this issue

As COVID-19 gripped the planet in March, a “gangway up” order by the Military Sealift Command confined thousands of civilian mariners to U.S. Navy ships around the world. Six months later, “civmars” were still chained to their jobs — if not physically restricted — by coronavirus-related circumstances. In Professional Mariner’s October/November issue, we examine the mariners' plight and the response by officials. We also take a look at the growing use of aerial drones for safer ship inspections; a Great Lakes ballast water dispute that’s pitting American shipping interests against Canada; and the tug-assisted voyage of a World War II destroyer escort down the Hudson River. Plus industry-leading casualty coverage for North America.

COVID actions testing relationship between MSC, civilian crews

As the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the planet in March, a “gangway up” order by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) restricted thousands of civilian mariners to U.S. Navy vessels around the world.

4 mins

Six months into outbreak, cruise lines still repatriating crews by ship

Though the COVID-19 pan-demic brought passenger travel to a halt for all major ocean-going cruise lines, many ships were still sailing an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 crewmembers to their home countries in July, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

2 mins

Navy continues to modernize yard tug fleet with launch of YT 808

The U.S. Navy took another step toward replacing its aging yard tugboats with the launch of the first vessel in the YT 808 class at Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, Wash., in May.

5 mins

Weeks flagship dredge builds its name on Jersey shore

Magdalen vacuuming sand from a borrow site off the coast of Surf City, N.J

3 mins

Workboat capsizes during Louisiana oil spill exercise, killing two

A workboat that capsized and sank during a boom deployment exercise on the Lower Mississippi River, killing both people on board, turned broadside to the current moments before it rolled over.

5 mins

Sixty-three injured in fire aboard Navy ship; vessel's fate unknown

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) sustained extensive damage from an onboard fire that started while it was tied up in San Diego, and Navy officials say it is too soon to know if the amphibious assault ship will return to service.

3 mins

Marquette blames captain, pilot after crane barge hits bridge

Kristin Alexis approached the west span of the Sunshine Bridge near St. James, La., pushing the crane barge Mr. Ervin.

6 mins

NTSB cites lack of ‘decision point' in Atchafalaya bridge strike

Edna T. Gattle and the spud barge Terral 2 approached the Union Pacific Railway Bridge over the Atchafalaya River when the towboat’s captain requested the swing bridge open.

3 mins

Faster, safer, cheaper: Drones taking flight for ship inspections

Drones are everywhere these days, from far-flung battlefields to family events. Where they haven’t gone, until recently, is into the confined hull spaces of ships.

5 mins

World War II tow down the Hudson takes New York by storm S

Stone scows don’t draw much attention, and the principal activity of the New York State (NYS) Marine Highway Transportation Co. is moving stone.

5 mins

Read all stories from Professional Mariner

Professional Mariner Magazine Description:

Tugs, towboats, cargo, government, passenger, spill response, pilot boats, offshore support, salvage, dredge and fireboats - Professional Mariner covers them all. Plus, only Professional Mariner gives you all the essential information you need to advance your maritime business or career including the latest news and in-depth, investigative reporting on maritime casualties, regulations, legislation, shipbuilding, safety, technology, business/management issues and more.